The Science behind Why People Pick Human-made Art Over AI-generated Art

The advent of artificial intelligence (AI) in art creation has sparked a complex debate among consumers, many of whom express a clear preference for human-made art over AI-generated pieces. This inclination is rooted in several factors, including perceptions of authenticity, emotional depth, and the intrinsic value associated with human creativity.

It is the stance of the team behind Formato Fine Arts and Lily Formato herself that AI-made art does not belong in traditional art spaces for various reasons we discussed in a past article. In this article we want to dive deeper into why real people stil prefer human-made art to support our stance.

Engagement and Recognition

While AI-generated art is gaining traction, many consumers remain skeptical about its authenticity and originality. A study by Bynder found that 50% of consumers could correctly identify AI-generated content, and 52% reported disengaging from content they suspected was AI-created. This discernment reflects a cautious approach to AI art, with many consumers favoring human-made art due to its perceived genuineness. It also builds the foundation for the arguments to follow.

"Classical oil painting of a landscape" by ChatGPT, matching the Neoclassical and Romantic landscape painting styles from the late 18th to early 19th century. Did you realize it was created by AI?

Perceptions of Authenticity and Emotional Depth

A significant reason consumers favor human-created art is the perception of authenticity and the emotional connection it fosters. Art is traditionally viewed as a medium through which artists convey personal experiences, emotions, and cultural narratives. This human touch imbues artworks with a sense of profundity and meaning that many feel AI cannot replicate. A study published in Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications found that participants exhibited a negative bias against AI-created artworks compared to those believed to be human-made, suggesting that knowledge of human involvement enhances art appreciation.

Value Attribution and Willingness to Pay

Consumers also tend to assign higher monetary value to human-made art. Research indicates that even when unable to distinguish between human and AI-generated pieces, individuals are willing to pay more for artworks they believe are human-created. This phenomenon underscores the premium placed on human creativity and the unique narratives behind each piece. A study from the UBC Sauder School of Business revealed that people are biased against AI art because it challenges their sense of humanity, leading them to value human-made art more highly.

Selection of sold works by Lily Formato

Threat to Human Uniqueness

The integration of AI into creative processes raises existential questions about human uniqueness. For some, AI's ability to produce art challenges the notion that creativity is an exclusively human trait, leading to discomfort and resistance. This sentiment contributes to a preference for human-made art, as it reaffirms the distinctiveness of human creativity. The same study we mentioned earlier from the UBC Sauder School of Business highlighted that individuals who view creativity as a uniquely human characteristic are more likely to reject AI-generated art.

Another painting created by ChatGPT.

Conclusion

The preference for human-made art over AI-generated creations is deeply intertwined with perceptions of authenticity, emotional depth, and the inherent value of human creativity. As AI continues to evolve within the art world, understanding and addressing these consumer sentiments will be crucial in navigating the coexistence of human and artificial creativity.

No matter your stance on artificial intelligence, supporting real artists is always a great way to start or expand your collection. And you can do so right here on Formatoart.com.